Eyestylist

Stuttgart is a central oasis – a welcoming nucleus of palaces; parks; Porsche and Mercedes-Benz Museums; galleries and theatre. The city has its own unique identity, as does the yearly eyewear event that takes place at Motorworld – an expansive venue for unique frame display, and an opportunity to ogle luxurious vintage cars. Die Brillenmesse creates the stage for a two-day event with independent opticians presenting their latest collections. Co-organisers Nathanaël Wenger and Steffen Keil (above image) have long championed independent creators. Photo for Eyestylist by Patrick Müller/Die Brillenmesse All Rights Reserved

As Nath observes: “Independent designers and opticians belong together like the lid on the pot. They also need each other. I can see a clear division between the mass-market with mass-produced products, and niche opticians with beautiful handcrafted frames. You can see this division in fashion, food and many other domains. The positive thing about the Internet is that it also helps our customers to make mature decisions. The level of information is high, and the consumer IS king.

Nath adds: “Consumers want to know more about a brand; it is all about emotion, connection and good feelings. This is why story telling is a key element in the buying process. Being an optician means working with people, and people love entertainment. Craftsmanship and individuality are also becoming more important than it used to be. It takes courage for an optician to focus only on independent eyewear designs, but the results are often positive, and definitely make working more fun.

“It has always been our aim to strengthen independent eyewear designers, and to create a platform where independent opticians can meet them in a relaxed environment. We have to work together, and build awareness for artisan eyewear, and show the world how exciting eyewear can be. In Stuttgart we have interesting newcomers like Carin Eyewear, Düsseldorf Eyewear, Yuichi Toyama, and well established brands with new innovative lines including Andy Wolf, Götti and Orgreen. The Motorworld location is added value, and has proven itself over the past years.”

The variety of independent creators provides selections that are unique and innovative: Blackfin from Italy will unveil their luxurious titanium designs; Adrian Marwitz and his glamorous sunglass and optical frames; minimalist concepts by Andy Wolf Eyewear; the contemporary charms of eyewear by Miamai München; sculptural beauties by Didier Voirol; meticulously crafted designs by Von Arkel in Switzerland; vintage treasures from Lesca; and more! Note the date in your diary – Die Brillenmesse Stuttgart 28th and 29th October at Motorworld. www.diebrillenmesse.de www.motorworld.de JG

Influential and progressive designs permeate the latest collection at KBL Eyewear with timeless elegance, graceful silhouettes, and trendy layering. The designs for men and women highlight the frames – crafted in Japan  – in beautiful quality materials, and subtle, sophisticated colourations. Echoing modernity and detailing, the newest collection campaign was photographed at the Philharmonie de Paris – the innovative concert hall designed by Jean Nouvel. The unique basket weave design of the building reflects the KBL concept – eyewear with originality and flair. Eiffel – the sleek sun style (top image worn by the male model) unites titanium and acetate in a contemporary shape, with slender temples. Champs-Elysées (on the woman) is luxuriously enhanced with layered acetate on titanium.

Optical designs by KBL flourish with minimalist concepts in titanium and stylish spirit. The Lancaster (above left) is a full titanium frame with a double bridge – both discreet and distinctive. The Grant (above right) also in titanium – sports a Windsor rim, in the tradition of fine heritage eyewear. Discover the entire KBL collection 6th-9th October at SILMO Paris! JG

Photos: Elisa Teichtmeister; Styling: Pur Styl – Jasmin Teichtmeister; Photographed at Philharmonie de Paris

Eyestylist.com begins an engaging new series today – Designer Domiciles – which will feature delightful conversations with international creators about where they reside, and their passion and enchantment for their neighbourhood and region. And what a great way to kick-off this series than with Claire Goldsmith – Director Oliver Goldsmith – London! 

City where you were born: I’m a proud Londoner born and bred.

If you could live elsewhere…it would be: I would have to say, somewhere with better weather! Somewhere warmer! The weather is literally the only thing I would change about London if I could. If only it could be 9 months of summer and 3 months of winter. So I think I might want to live in New Zealand as the climate there is just about perfect for me.

What intrigues you most about London: I love London for its layers that have come about through hundreds of years of history. I love the idea that 200-400 years ago the streets I walk everyday were so different. I love the grime and the “secret London” that lies behind the frontage. London is a fascinating city with an incredible history wherever you go in it.

A fascinating London street you love: So…a little known fact – London has some amazing hidden alleyways often housing some of the most traditional and lovely little drinking establishments. These tiny old pubs literally transport you back in time. If you are lucky enough to stumble across one of these alleyways, you will never forget it. Here are a couple not to miss if you come here: – Newman Passage, Fitzrovia – is one of my favourites!  – Bull Inn Court, Covent Garden – Lamb’s Conduit Passage, Holborn – Ely Court, Farringdon – Wine Office Court, City of London – Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden.

Your favourite London restaurant – and why? There are so many good restaurants it’s almost impossible to choose one! But I would have to say if I have to choose just one, it would be The River Cafe – a West London classic where you can sit outside on the river. It has a super casual vibe to it, but it’s a Michelin star restaurant. It’s so relaxed and comfortable and always without fail, you eat phenomenal food. It’s a total favourite.

Another city that holds a fascination for you…and why: I think I would have to say Tokyo. I went a couple of times for work but never for pleasure. I would really love to spend some time there just exploring it a bit more. That goes for cities in Japan generally.

Music that inspires you: I used to listen to albums of artists I liked. Now I listen to music I like. Spotify has changed the way we listen to music. I tend to play Spotify playlists on radio and listen to music I would not normally listen to, or even know about. As  result I now like quite a broad spectrum of music. Spotify has opened up my music tastes a lot!

A book that influenced you: The Handmaid’s Tale – a story of a future I hope to never see. I studied it at A-Level (18) and never forgot it. And have just finished watching the TV adaptation of it and it was incredible! Dare I say it – possibly even better than the book itself. When does that ever happen…

Your personal style – describe in three items: Trainers. Black tapered trousers. Coats.

The most photogenic location in London: London is photogenic. It’s hard to take a bad picture of her!

Three objects that mean the most to you: The watch my dad gave me on my 21st birthday, but sadly never quite got to give it to me himself. The bracelet my grandmother left to me that I always loved, because she literally never took it off in all the time I knew her. My “Grisly box” where I keep the teeth that have fallen out of my kid’s mouths, because I am a gross mum who loves their grisly little milk teeth!

Who really inspires you: Usually it’s other women running businesses and managing their families effectively!

Claire will be presenting the new collection of Oliver Goldsmith and Claire Goldsmith at SILMO Paris in October. www.olivergoldsmith.com JG